(Portland, OR – Feb. 4, 2016) In response to a unique question about end-of-life care options raised during a CNN presidential town hall last night by terminally ill supporter Jim Kinhan, Compassion & Choices Action Network announced today it will host a teleconference on the issue before the Nevada caucus. The teleconference will take place on Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. EST/5pm PST, at a location still to be determined.
Below is a partial transcript of the presidential town hall exchange between Hillary Clinton and Jim Kinhan, an 81-year-old supporter of Compassion & Choices Action Network dying from colon cancer, who wrote an op-ed about it published in the Concord Monitor.
KINHAN: “… I wonder what leadership you could offer within an executive role that might help advance the respectful conversation that is needed around this personal choice that people may make, as we age and deal with health issues or be the caregivers of those people, to help enhance their end of life with dignity.”
HILLARY CLINTON: “… this is the first time I’ve been asked that question … And I thank you for it, because we need to have a conversation in our country … So it is a crucial issue that people deserve to understand from their own ethical, religious, faith-based perspective … I want, as president, to try to catalyze that debate because I believe you’re right, this is going to become an issue more and more.”
“Options for end-of-life care are a big deal for millions of older Americans like Jim Kinhan and their baby boomer caregivers,” said Compassion & Choices Action Network President Barbara Coombs Lee, who was an ER and ICU nurse and physician assistant for 25 years. “Virtually every national and state poll shows voters from all political persuasions and demographic groups want autonomy to choose from the full range of end-of-life care options, including hospice, palliative care and medical aid in dying.”
“Most people want to die at home and avoid futile, painful, unwanted medical treatments that only extend their dying process and destroy their quality of life,” added Coombs Lee. “We are hosting this teleconference so journalists, politicians and voters unfamiliar with end-of-life care options can learn about and discuss this issue.”
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
Sean Crowley
Media Relations Director
[email protected]
Patricia A. González-Portillo
National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
